Where you grew up and your background can often have surprising effects on our lives and careers. We’ve asked folks from the community to tell us about how their background has affected them.

Federica Ungaro | Brand Designer + Concept Creator for the Hospitality and Wellness industry

My name is Federica Ungaro, originally from Venezuela, where my journey began in a vibrant, competitive school that sparked my passion for design and branding. Growing up surrounded by the colorful chaos and natural harmony of my homeland deeply influenced my aesthetic foundation. At 19, I took a leap and moved to Paris, a city that taught me about my preferences—specifically, that I’m not a city girl and that black and grey are not my only colors. Read more>>

Raquel Z. Duarte | Creatrix of Awaken Alma Artistry, Published Author, Reiki Master, Podcaster of HWY 555, & soon-to-be Licensed Esthetician

I am originally from Portland, Oregon. I was raised on a farm about an hour outside of the city. Every day consisted of learning new things, exploring the land, and hanging out with my six siblings. I was homeschooled all the way through high school and I can attest to that being one of the biggest philosophies of my life – which is, “never stop learning”. Being homeschooled, there was never NOT a teaching moment. And because of my student mindset always being ON, I never stopped seeking knowledge, asking questions, and constantly growing. “What I do” may change on a daily, but “who I am” is rooted in presenting myself as a student to the Universe. Read more>>

Carolina Bonfada | Master Architect and Design & Coach of Jiu-Jitsu

I am Brazilian, I come from a traditional family of immigrants from Italy and Germany. I had a very good upbringing during my childhood. Being a city in the south, where there were Europeans immigrants, it was normal to have a farm and produce food and achieve what you wanted. My parents always taught me that I should study, work and have a career. I was always a very active and restless child, playing and inventing adventures and projects outdoors.
My mother, grandmother and aunts taught me crafts, such as tapestry, embroidery, and jewelry. Read more>> 

Kate Cher | Hairstylist, Blonding and Extensions specialist

I’m originally from Minsk, Belarus and growing up, I was always surrounded by creativity. My family encouraged me to express myself artistically, and I found that hairstyling was a natural fit for me. Whether it was experimenting with friends’ hair or being inspired by the beauty trends I saw around me, I realized early on that I loved the transformative power of hair. My upbringing taught me the importance of hard work, attention to detail, and building connections with people, all of which have shaped me into the hairstylist I am today. Read more>>

Monica Friedrichs | charcuterie caterer

I’m originally from Santa Barbara, but l’ve been in San Diego long enough for it to feel like home. Growing up, my family prioritized hospitality and gathering people together, which shaped my love for creating shared experiences. The beauty of both cities inspires my work-whether it’s the laid-back vibes or the stunning natural landscapes, it’s all about finding joy in the little things and creating spaces where people can connect. Read more>>